Panera Bread

Brutal honest review! The teriyaki chicken and broccoli bowl was far from perfect.
The rice was dry, the chicken was not breast meat and had slimy fat pieces in it.
The broccoli was inconsistent with some being decent and some tasting like it had passed it's preferred participation stage. The southwest chicken melt was ok but not like the vibrant image depiction on the overhead menu.
The bread crust was definitely consistent with the teeth on a chainsaw, ask my gums between a missing tooth or two... Broccoli and cheese soup was absolutely phenomenal! Warm, creamy and smooth, chunks of broccoli were bite size and easy to eat.
Not too salty but great balance of rich flavor. Steak and white cheddar sandwich had a good balance of horseradish and cheese but maybe a bit short of steak.
The bread was the same seek and destroy gum mutilator...
Overall rating on this sandwich is a 4/10 Drinks were green tea papaya and pretty awesome. The absolute best part was the lemon cookie by miles.
Sorry I didn't grab a pic before it had all the way melted into my heart and stomach. Side note: the drink area was a bit messy, some messy tables and the men's bathroom was trashed. Seemed to have more employees than customers and not sure why the restaurant would be this dirty 2 hours before closing with only 3 tables seated. There was absolutely no music playing and the gentle drone from the table pagers continued for long after they were returned to their basket on the counter and could be heard throughout the entire restaurant. Continuously heard employees in the back complaining about other employees while we were eating. They did seem to have great tea though... Total for the wife and I to eat tonight was $43.35 and I don't think the price adequately matched the service, facility and quality. Sorry Panera, this is my second attempt in 15 years and I sadly won't be back. P.
S.
My wife just told me that an employee finished in the stall next to her and left the bathroom without washing her hands, ick.

Everything was fine.
I just was shocked that a miniature salad and a very small mac and cheese was $20.
I mean it came in a paper container and I had to get my own drink....

This has been such a hit with me lately I had 3 meals here in two days.
The value prices each meal shown are from the $6.99 deals- they are unbeatable.
The charged tea had me buzzing like I just drank a cold brew coffee.
The pastries are 1/2 off the weather has been freezing and so the fireplace has been cozy.
I like having QUIET time here and food is healthy and fresh.
What’s not to like? Oh staff is accommodating and respectful too!